WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors following the catastrophic midair collision between American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. Officials report that the devastating crash, which occurred late Wednesday night, has resulted in the deaths of all passengers and crew members aboard the regional jet, as well as the military personnel in the helicopter.

Summary of the Tragic Incident:

• Aircraft Involved: American Eagle Flight 5342 (Embraer ERJ-145) & U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk
• Total Fatalities: 64 passengers, 4 crew members (American Eagle), 3 military personnel (Black Hawk)
• Time of Crash: Just before 9:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday night
• Location: Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
• Cause: Midair collision during descent (FAA and NTSB investigating)

Victims Identified:

Among the deceased are prominent athletes and coaches from the figure skating world, as well as business travelers and families. U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several of their members, returning from the National Development Camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, were aboard the ill-fated flight.

List of Victims Identified:

1. Spencer Lane (U.S. Figure Skater)
2. Jinna Han (U.S. Figure Skater)
3. Edward Zhou (U.S. Figure Skater)
4. Everly Livingston (U.S. Figure Skater)
5. Lydia Livingston (U.S. Figure Skater)
6. Franco Aparicio (U.S. Figure Skater)
7. Sean Kay (U.S. Figure Skater)
8. Angela Yang (U.S. Figure Skater)
9. Vadim Naumov (Former Russian World Champion Figure Skater, Coach)
10. Evgenia Shishkova (Former Russian World Champion Figure Skater, Coach)
11. Inna Volyanskaya (Russian Figure Skating Coach)
12. Maxim Naumov (U.S. Figure Skater, Son of Vadim Naumov & Evgenia Shishkova)

Eyewitness Accounts & Rescue Operations

Emergency response teams, including the Washington D.C. Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Guard, arrived at the crash site within minutes of impact. However, due to the frigid temperatures and strong currents of the Potomac River, rescue efforts quickly turned into a recovery mission. Authorities have now confirmed that over 30 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage, with more expected as divers continue their operations.

One witness, Hamaad Raza, whose wife was aboard Flight 5342, shared his heartbreak: “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the Potomac River right now.”

Reactions from Officials and the Skating Community

• American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are with the victims’ families, and we are working closely with investigators to determine what went wrong.”
• U.S. Figure Skating Federation: “We are devastated by the loss of so many talented skaters and coaches. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
• Russian President Dmitry Peskov: “Russia mourns the loss of our figure skating legends, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. This is a dark day for the sport.”

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an in-depth investigation into the cause of the collision. Early reports indicate that the military helicopter was on a routine training flight when it crossed paths with the descending commercial jet. Officials are analyzing air traffic control communications and radar data to determine whether human error or mechanical failure played a role in the crash.

Impact on Travel and Airport Operations

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport remains under a full ground stop as authorities work to clear the debris. Flights in and out of the airport have been canceled or rerouted, causing widespread disruptions to air travel along the East Coast.

Memorials and Tributes

As the world reels from this tragedy, tributes have begun pouring in from the global figure skating community. A memorial service is planned in Washington, D.C., where families and fans will gather to honor the victims. Additionally, U.S. Figure Skating has announced that a moment of silence will be observed at all upcoming competitions in their memory.

This remains a developing story. Authorities will provide further updates as more details emerge.